Umut Gurkan, Wilbert J. Austin Professor of Engineering, has been re-elected for the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine’s New Voices in Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine program. Gurkan, one of five members from the previous cohort who is extending his service by one year, will join the 2024 cohort.

The New Voices program aims to expand the diversity of expertise engaged within the National Academies while developing a network of U.S. leaders who can address national and global challenges.  

"I am honored to be selected as a member of The National Academies New Voices in Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine program,” Gurkan shared. “I am looking forward to working alongside emerging STEM leaders with exceptionally diverse backgrounds to tackle some of the urgent and emerging issues of our time."

The newly elected cohort of 26 early- and mid-career scientists, engineers, and medical professionals will serve a two-year term, during which they will engage in the advisory and convening work of the National Academies, develop their own interdisciplinary projects, and add to the robust network of emerging STEM leaders across the U.S. and around the world. The group joins 60 members across three cohorts who have served on over 21 National Academies committees and represented U.S. early-career STEM voices at more than 27 major international and domestic events.  

“From the announcement of the very first New Voices cohort, I have been thrilled with the caliber, diversity, and dedicated work ethic of these emerging leaders,” said National Academy of Sciences President Marcia McNutt. “They represent proudly the best and brightest of young American researchers.” 

Umut Gurkan, Wilbert J. Austin Professor of Engineering, has been re-elected for the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine’s New Voices in Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine program. Gurkan, one of five members from the previous cohort who is extending his service by one year, will join the 2024 cohort.